HIGHLIGHTS
- Discover the wild and spectacular Algarve coast – a paradise for landscape photographers, with its dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and hidden sea caves
- The mighty winter swells of the Atlantic crashing against dramatic cliffs
- From the sandstone formations and arches of the eastern Algarve to the black cliffs and fertile forests of the west
- Soft morning light and glowing sunsets
- Picturesque coastal villages
- Focus on landscape photography, creative compositions, and long exposure
- You will learn techniques to master different lighting conditions
- Expert photo guidance by Jonathan Stenvall, in a small group of like-minded enthusiasts
THE ALGARVE COAST, PORTUGAL
The Algarve coast in southern Portugal is one of Europe’s most atmospheric and photogenic coastal regions. Here you are met by dramatic cliffs, golden sandy beaches, and turquoise waters – a perfect setting for landscape photography. During the cooler months, the Algarve offers soft golden light and a calmer pace, creating ideal conditions for creative images.
We will visit some of the region’s iconic photo locations, but also seek out more secluded and hidden spots where we can work undisturbed with composition and light. Our focus will be on capturing the grandeur of the landscape, but also the details, textures, and abstract patterns in sand and stone.
ALGARVE COAST
Stretching for 155 km, the Algarve coastline is spectacular – with wide sandy beaches, sheer cliffs rising up to 60 meters above the Atlantic, and picturesque fishing villages. The cliffs, natural formations, and ever-restless ocean create dreamlike conditions for the landscape photographer. We visit during the low season when tourism is minimal, often leaving vast beaches entirely to ourselves.
Our journey begins in the eastern Algarve, where ochre-colored sandstone cliffs, arches, and steep formations rise dramatically from the sea. We then continue westward into a wilder landscape dominated by darker cliffs, mountains, and sweeping beaches.
SAGRES
One of the highlights of the trip is the small fishing village of Sagres, perched on the southwestern tip of Europe. From here, we have easy access to some of Portugal’s finest beaches and spectacular viewpoints – even from our hotel. Using Sagres as our base, we will explore several beautiful beaches with striking black rock formations that make perfect subjects against the crashing Atlantic waves.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Most of our photography sessions will take place at sunrise and sunset when the light is at its very best. While Algarve’s dramatic seascapes will be our main focus, there will also be opportunities to photograph the region’s picturesque villages and Portuguese culture. Our tour leader has visited this coastline many times and knows the best locations for photography depending on light and tides.
PHOTOGRAPHIC LEARNING
Throughout the trip, our photographic leader will provide continuous guidance tailored to your skills and experience. Instruction in the field will be fully adapted to your needs, while additional theoretical sessions will cover various techniques relevant to the trip. Along the Algarve coast, we will focus heavily on capturing seascapes in different light conditions, working with everything from long exposures to more experimental approaches.
Itinerary
Day (18/11) (Dinner)
We meet at Faro Airport after lunch and travel together to our first accommodation. There will be time to settle in at the hotel and prepare for our first photo session. In the evening, we head out to explore Algarve’s sandstone formations and golden beaches in the glow of sunset. The day concludes with dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2 (19/11) (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)
We start the day with a sunrise photo session at nearby cliffs, where carved-out caves lead us down to the sea. After breakfast, there will be time to rest and an opportunity to learn more about post-processing in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. In the afternoon, we continue exploring new beaches as we prepare for the evening light.
Day 3 (20/11) (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)
For the early risers, we return once more to one of yesterday’s photo locations. After breakfast, we travel westward and by lunchtime arrive in the fishing village of Sagres. The evening will be spent at one of the journey’s most spectacular beaches, with dark cliffs and dramatic waves crashing ashore.
Day 4 (21/11) (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)
We return to the beach before sunrise to capture the dawn light, followed by breakfast and an image review session. During the day, we either rest or visit a nearby 15th-century fortress. In the evening, we head further north to a nature reserve where the black sea cliffs are often visited by white storks, creating exciting photographic opportunities.
Day 5 (22/11) (Breakfast)
After breakfast, we return to the airport for our journey home.
Photographic leader
Jonathan Stenvall
Jonathan (f. 1997) is based in Stockholm and has been fascinated by nature from a young age. He photographs everything from dramatic mountain landscapes to the tiny details of the macro world. Since his youth, he has led lectures, workshops, and photo trips, and his images and texts have been published in numerous books, magazines, and newspapers.
In 2015, he was named Young Nordic Nature Photographer of the Year (NNPC), and since then he has received several awards in international photography competitions.
Jonathan’s passion for travel and discovery took him to Nepal and the Himalayas in 2017—a region he has returned to many times. He is now a certified trekking guide in central Nepal.
He is a member of Naturfotograferna/N, a trained guide, and an ambassador for the camera brand OM System.
Website: www.Jonathanstenvall.com
